Sony faces backlash over 2028 physical media phase-out

Sony PlayStation digital ownership physical media gaming industry

Sony is facing significant backlash and legal challenges following its decision to phase out physical media for new PlayStation titles starting in 2028. While the company aims to increase profit margins by shifting to digital distribution and reducing reliance on retailers and manufacturing, data from Alinea Analytics shows that physical sales still account for a substantial portion of revenue for major single-player exclusives. For instance, Astro Bot saw physical sales comprise 46.8% of its $275 million revenue, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 saw 35% from discs.

Beyond the loss of physical formats, Sony is embroiled in a California lawsuit. Plaintiffs argue that the company misleads consumers by using terms like ‘Buy Now’ for digital content that is actually only licensed, not owned. Sony maintains that its terms of service clearly state that users are acquiring a license to access content rather than true ownership. This shift has also sparked concerns regarding game preservation and the elimination of the second-hand market.

Entities

Alinea Analytics · California · Consumer Rights Wiki · Microsoft · PlayStation · Rhys Elliott · Sony · Sony Interactive Entertainment

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] Sony plans to phase out the production of physical media for new PlayStation games starting in 2028. www.hardwarecooking.fr · www.hd-tecnologia.com · nahoradanoticia.com.br · www.elidealgallego.com · www.xboxdynasty.de · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Sony's strategy aims to increase market control by eliminating the second-hand market through digital-only releases. www.gry-online.pl · www.xboxdynasty.de · hifi.de
[● 3 SOURCES] A lawsuit has been filed in California alleging that Sony misleads consumers regarding digital ownership. nahoradanoticia.com.br · spidersweb.pl · www.phonandroid.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 generated approximately $1.2 billion in revenue, with about 35% coming from physical disc sales. www.hardwarecooking.fr · www.hd-tecnologia.com · www.gry-online.pl · www.xboxdynasty.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Helldivers 2 is an exception to the physical trend, with only 8.3% of its revenue coming from discs. www.hd-tecnologia.com · www.gry-online.pl · www.xboxdynasty.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Astro Bot saw physical sales account for 46.8% of its $275 million revenue. www.hd-tecnologia.com · www.gry-online.pl · www.xboxdynasty.de
[● 4 SOURCES] Physical game sales generate lower margins for Sony compared to digital sales due to manufacturing, distribution, and retailer costs. www.hardwarecooking.fr · www.hd-tecnologia.com · www.gry-online.pl · www.xboxdynasty.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Sony argues that digital game purchases are licenses to access content rather than transfers of ownership. nahoradanoticia.com.br · spidersweb.pl · www.phonandroid.com